What Does it Mean to Be an American? The need for system integrity!

America Guided by Wisdom 1815
John J. Barralett

There is some misconception among some of our politicians and administrators on what it means to be an American and the need for integrity throughout our systems. We the People hope that the systems can push to higher states of integrity and become representative of the needs of ALL of society. We are moving in the right direction but there are still enough poor values and subjective application of the Constitution that it becomes worrying for the 60% of society that care about their communities and people that live within them.

Yet we have difficulty convincing some of our leadership that two different rules and applications of law and opportunities is harmful to our people and nation. Sometimes they hear the message but mostly they are reactive managers versus proactive change agents leaning toward higher American values. That of course doesn't apply to everyone but I would say its 50/50 out there (We do watch and do understand the destructive nature of ideological immaturity.). 

We as a nation need enlightened leadership that moves beyond self-glorification and shallow values to reach the next rung of national development. We have new risks rising globally and the biggest risk we face is our difficulty in encouraging our leadership to work on the behalf of its citizens. While elections are part of democracy, so is the process of selecting candidates that are capable of fulfilling their oaths and duties. Elections only work when strong leaders are elected that know how to solve problems. We have a responsibility to ensure our leadership is following the rules and promoting pro-social values. 

I would make a couple of suggestions for general consumption. 

1.) Review Congressional resumes and determine whether the Santos Method of electability and embellishment is common. We can't vote on issues if we don't have accurate information to make decisions (We don't want to be duped!). It should be a serious ethical violation to intentionally and significantly falsify resumes and mislead the full scope of the populist's vote. 

(Also cross reference organizations and entities to ensure there aren't groups cheating the system and selling our secrets for $$$. Not like its going to happen, but from a hypothetical standpoint, wouldn't it be nice to clean out those issues and then move forward. Maybe nothing is found, but I guess if you don't look you then you will always have that risk in the back of their head. Now that the thought is there...someone is going to wonder and want to peak behind the curtain. Fair is fair right...No? 🤷.)

2.) Encourage the laws to be applied fairly among all of the population. Trust me, as a person of a Muslim sounding name, I have seen things that would have been completely unacceptable if reversed. Actually criminal if we sort of viewed all people as important. The differences between law and shadow laws are becoming increasingly obvious and if we do not get ahead of the problem we will find big data embarrassing everyone across the decision making spectrum from many decades of short sighted thinking. (Hint on being proactive to show that you cared before it was a big problem. Its a proactive versus reactive approach.)

3.) Encourage broad based development across our entire nation and population. We can't just keep self-serving the "connected" and "inner crowd" in a way that is exclusionary to the many other Americans/"Americans" that want to get ahead (We want AMERICANS....the new enlightened Digital Age version that can hedge differences for innovative growth. In the past division was a way power, perhaps in the future actual performance is a way to power.) We need the best and brightest to get ahead in a way that leads to national growth. While a small sliver of our leadership may very well might be the best and brightest, most are not because they are limited to repeating what others are saying without critical thinking or having the leadership capacity to go against the grain. (Its the nature of the best and brightest to not be constantly self serving at the expense of everyone else. If they are the best in one arena, but don't have the values, then they are not the best and brightest.)

4. Swearing loyalties to parties and personalities over one's nation isn't the right thing to do either and often leads to eventual conflict and dissolution (One could support the mixed mission and goals in science and how that leads to group issues. The root arguments of some of our politicians is not actual strength of the country but designed to exploit division. This means there are questions of truer and deeper mixed loyalties of effort.) Divided loyalties often create big schisms because leaders profess certain values but are pressured to accept values that are antithetical to strong governance. The big picture should always be maintained in foresight. 

While this may seem a little rudimentary, an American is someone who believes in their people and freedom (Long lost art of the purpose of good governance.). Swearing oath to the Democratic Republic of the United States encompasses the concept of making decisions in the best interest of the nation and having enough cognitive flexibility to know when to change. To know when change is more honorable than argument. While I suspect our national leaders will be more interested in managing in the best interest of everyone versus the shallow few we have a lot of forces pulling in different directions in a way that makes the ship unsteady. Differences of opinions are important, especially when constructive, but we all must stay focused on the same goal just over the horizon. We must be rowing together....no excuses!

*This is article-story is designed to help you think about how decisions in one arena impact many other arenas. If it feels like it is useless or you disagree please just click off. That doesn't reflect on the good politicians and officials doing the right thing regardless of the benefits. This is for those who don't, can't, won't and will not.

**Typically when I voice my opinion all types of creepy stuff happens. Those who know....know...while those who don't....have no clue on the different societies that are forming.

***I have more responsibility to tell people things they don't want to hear if it benefits the next generation then repeat and reflect back inappropriate beliefs that harm our great nation. We are not at the end, we are becoming, and we will show our adversaries that Democracy is the best way forward. We will correct our deficiencies of blindness so we can "see" clearly the path that lay before us. Be brave, be faithful, and be wise sons and daughters of liberty. 

****I suppose its just story of fun and fancy. If you like other stories of a similar strain go ahead and attend a Congressional luncheon and listen to some of their fictional tales of awesomeness 😏. Tales and stories.

Escanaba City Council Meeting (03-16-23): Land, Pickleball, Pancakes, Sewers and Emotional Intelligence!!

Allegory of Good Government
Palazzo Pubblico, Siena, 1338-40

This is an interesting meeting because it delves into governance and accomplishing things in the best interest of residents. There are people interested in this town and they are watching these videos and want to know the area can manage its affairs and make decisions in the best interest of its people. In some ways, we are teaching a much wider stakeholder about how government functions and whether or not it functions appropriately. 

Some of that discussion is about whether government, community, investors and stakeholders can work together to turn a town that was once struggling, but with so much untapped potential, back into a sustainable example that might be utilized in other places. When people work together they can really change the landscape and create multiple win-win situations. 

What we have noticed over the past few years is a transition. We had some change in leadership, a few problems sort of cleared out (i.e. hotel development "hacked" money issue which isn't completely gone for good I believe. It just keeps going and going and going. Dark Side vs.  Energizer Bunny. 🐇). There will always be challenges but how people interact with each other in good faith will make a big difference in the outcomes. 

One can make mistakes but if they are trying to do good things then good karma will follow. (I'm not saying there are any mistakes here, I'm saying in general if you try and fulfill your duties it will most likely turn out well through many small daily choices.)

Let us just keep watching......

March 13th, 2023 Escanaba City Council Meeting

Notes: (I try to be accurate but am sometimes wrong. Feel free to post a comment and I will correct.)

-Terrace Bay. What? Not about the Jail property?  ....[Room goes silent in anticipation] .........water and sewer would help their business! (I also heard there is 100 units going in within Wells.). Drain field as well. I believe a lot of the larger businesses would be in support of new water and sewer. With state money its going to be beneficial. Early Christmas. Wells is the hot spot of development. Interesting. 

-Bonafas Art Center. Disabled community. 900 artists through year. Free to public. Different camps. Concerts and food truck. Wants to be included in city budget. 

-City Participation on budget.

-City Planning Commission wants some more training. Online or in-person training. Make master plan, how it relates to zoning, site plans, decisions, success new economy, role, ethics, standards,......$3,000

Public Comment. None. (This is meant as light hearted so please keep it in that realm. So sad I have to say that.... something to do with my name I suspect. 🤔 This not as much fun as the county meeting. I more or less watch because of the potential economic impact.) 

(I'm thinking about the stark contrast between the two meeting styles in the area and how Esky for the moment seems to be doing it right. Consider Management Style 1: More Excitement and Less Functional Admin Example  and Management Style2: Less Excitement but Healthier Example. {Not literally, just wry wit meant to uplift your mood. You should get the point I'm trying to make.}. 

(One committee a lot of conflict and open questions and the other one seems to be somewhat peaceful and restful. One seems to fight about everything little thing because of lack of trust and the other one is more subdued and focused. I suspect the issues might be cleared out pretty soon so everyone can get back on track to serving their communities.)

(You might want to read about personality, leadership and teams and how that impacts whether or not governance will be effective. See Harvard Study Great Teams Are About Personalities, Not Just Skills. Notice the study talks about emotional intelligence. This is becoming a big thing in todays executive world. The influence of emotional intelligence and personal styles of dealing with conflict on strategic decisions.)

(In this case, it looks like Escanaba is moving along a fairly good path with relatively happy government customers. It is possible under the right circumstances. Sometimes silence is music. Just notice the difference in public comment length between the two meetings. In this case, zzzzz is kind of a good thing. Its a type of focus on essentials and a willingness to get along.)

- Public recreation improvements that include basketball courses and other good stuff. 100K commitment response. MI. Trust Fund Grant. (I'm assuming it is the Natural Resource Trust Fund Grant). 8 pickleball course (People are really getting into this. USA Pickle Ball Rules. They may want to also check out the EPA's Recreation Economy for Rural Communities. I'm not sure if they are going to have another open date for the grant but it might be good to contact and see what they have for parks and recreation. ) 

-One board member mentioned about the majority of the city being older. I agree and the stats show that. It is not because the city can't attract and retain young talent. It is because there hasn't been a big effort to attract them, employ them, and bring in new capital. I think people are thinking about that now and capitalizing on opportunity. Decisions we make impact our children and grandchildren's future (Trust me there are many places where lunch is way more important than good governance. It looks like we are sort of finding some problem areas and the community is resolving them so everyone can move forward.)  

-Selling a parcel. Concerns on price and value. I don't think a delay will hurt anything. The buyer took the time to put in the request so they would likely be ok. Second property to be postponed until further review. 

-Letter of support for the Wells water and sewer project. A couple of arguments from a utility investment standpoint are increased revenue for Escanaba if it can provide a service and make a little revenue off of it. It would help put a dent reversing trends to go further positive. This is what infrastructure projects can do if they are well thought out. It also increases revenue again with new businesses, business use of utilities, and improves health. Just make sure you understand the math of it all so as to ensure some margin for lean times (Be a pessimist in number crunching and projection. Once you know your bottom line then you can know your goals and shoot for the stars if you want.). 185 Wells customers. A mention that some other businesses don't have water lines and if they had water they would expand. Right now it appears that they have the capacity and can negotiate other upgrades if they are needed. Another comment by another member on current residents and state monies.  

(I would agree with the letter of support for funding. In a county meeting they discussed whether or not Escanaba would want it and I think this would sort of give a direction to that question. You may also see how increased revenue can be used to grow sustainable development in this theory. Once you receive this money and it shores up a tight budget you don't want to waste it. Create a new revenue stream that helps build something with a win for residents, future, and potential investors. If you do it well, and for long enough, you can start to endow city expenses that produce revenue like parks, water system, etc. The point being is that we should use money wisely to protect certain necessary long-term growth entities and improve the budget by freeing them from being future resource draws. In good times, many of these endowed assets might eventually have surpluses that can be reinvested in other places to help the city/county. Food to debate and ponder as a people. )

-Appointments

-Splash park is going to take a little more time until next year for parts. 

-Pot Shop too close to residential. Couldn't offer a variance (If you are going to have them they should be managed strictly and in good taste. Best to encourage delivery more than actual pick up. Pick up is good for boutique tourists and visitors. However, in general having delivery encourages less traffic and other issues.) 

-WiFi for Harbor Tower. Waiting on parts.

Public Comment (Everything seems to be running well here again at this second opportunity. Something is oddly different between these two committees. I can't quit put my finger on it. Things are running so well at the moment. 🥱  yawn. Its a good thing.):

-Speaking on the behalf of Kiwanis Club. Home and Garden Show April 14th, 15th, and 16th. Free pancakes bring the kids! Connect up with them on Facebook HERE.

-Conservation district. Different pot of grant money. Bridge went down. Did it for half a million, we had a million, and they let us keep the money. New water and septic needed. 34 million dollar project for water and sewer. Either Escanaba or Gladstone to route water and sewer. Timeframe for allocation. There was some discussion on timber and biomass. 

-Kiwanis also puts on special Olympics. 1977 started here (History of Special Olympics). 

(St. Patrick's Day is now over. I noticed at Meijer's there are St. Patrick's Day shirts for like $3. They are not bad. They say something about Irish-ish on them or something. If your Irish....go get some. 🍀 I'm also mentioning them because they gave masks to first responders in the area when Covid hit.)

*P.S. I write these articles to understand government and to help others understand government. We should just continue to become informed citizens. Having nice, quiet, productive meetings often leads to growth over time. While I sort of poke fun at it, it is appreciated by the community that they are productive meetings and subdued. Think of it like one is full of action packed adventure and the other is sort of background music. ✌ Its the way things should be. Don't let the big politicians fool you....there is a difference between theatrics and good governance. 

Values: The Elusive Goal

Tempest 1508
 artist Giorgione

Behind every great story is another story. Life is a meaningful story of becoming, changing, growing, learning, adjusting and mastering. Those who do interesting things are not driven by money and prestige. The challenge may be important and the ability to overcome is important. Whether this situation turns out as it should, as I suspect it will, it also leaves a little sting. 

Such things happen because of values. At the end of the day, no matter where things are going forward, it was the values that drive people. Patriotism isn't only about flags and BBQ. There is something deeper in it all. It is about certain principles and values that lead to a shared sense of community and purpose. It is universal in its orientation.

I will not go into who has values and who is the first to dump them when they can self-enrich or get something (I got good at figuring out people and fairly accurate in my predictions of their depth of values.). The words people use mean very little when poor decision after poor decision become apparent. Walking the talk requires us to believe in those values of freedom beyond self-interest and surface symbolism. 

Occasional there are people who prick our conscious and they didn't do it for money. They did it because they care. Investors should put their money where their values are because they are building a world around them, building economic structures, impacting millions of lives/souls, and they should consider what the bigger picture is when they do that. Money is awesome, making money is awesome, but it must be based in something deeper. 

When you get the top of the score card you are only left with yourself. I hope you like what you see. 

Here is a good study on values. Think about why people do things that you don't understand and persist despite having few or no rewards. Sometimes, there are more important things then self-flattery and self-enrichment. All patriotism should teach the deeper values of a society and not get hung on symbolism alone. Symbolism is only an anchor that leads to a deeper dive into the essence and soul of a nation.

We will meet our challenges as a people and best them. That will require greater focus then we are accustomed and that will require us to dive deeper into our own personal and shared universal values. 

Do you know that guy has a Muslim Name? 

Attaining Your Goals Through Challenge: Smile, Side Step, and Keep Going

Life is not always easy or fair. Some are dealt the worst of all possible hands. Some have their good cards taken and replaced with bad cards. I will tell you that there are many ways to grow and develop. You can't adapt unless you are challenged. When the chips are down remember this....If you want to do something, you want it bad enough and are willing to make changes, you will accomplish it!

If you don't know what you want, then stay in school (Higher Ed or Trade School) and get an education until you figure it out. It certainly won't hurt you. What you will find is that you will change through knowledge and there may be some that will not grow with you. Let them go. It is, what it is! 

This country needs all different types of people and we must develop our talent. Let no person, clan or group hold you back from your destiny. Smile, side step, and let them trip over themselves. 

Taking the path less traveled is what differentiates you from the herd. (I still think of climbing that mountain. Still on my bucket list. At end of video.)

NATO is Protecting its Borders: What the U.S. Can Do?

China made a decision that it has more to gain from being Russia's supplier and friend then it doesn't from working within the international community. They also feel that by backing Russia they can carve out their supporters and markets. As the war rages between Ukraine and Russia, China finds itself in a position to sell more and foster differences in world alliance. However, they are finding that there is a longer-tail reaction to their decisions that will reverberate for some time. 

First, remember that Russia moved into Ukraine. While I understand some of the justification presented, they also did not calculate that Ukraine would fight back and that people would help in that defense. It would be a completely different reason if Ukraine attacked Russia. In a reverse situation I do not believe the world would support that either (This appears to be a justified defense by the Ukrainians. Unless someone presents something different I would support them. Living by our principles and being an example for the world.)

At the end of the day its about aggression and the inability to determine one's own path. Something most Americans believe in. That is why you have most people supporting helping Ukraine. There are some who don't want to support Ukraine anymore (I can understand some of the arguments but I think they need like 4 more months of support to settle out in favor of Ukraine {As defined only by this moment. Ask me tomorrow if the situation changes.}.  I don't understand what all the other arguments might be, but the war is becoming a fundamentally defined position of a potential New Cold War. I feel very bad for the Ukrainians. I have empathy over their plight and the plight of those struggling against much larger adversaries. ). 

China's support for Russia indicates that they are in many ways hoping the war will swing back in favor of their interests and in turn make Russia more dependent. China gets market and oil. Russia gets to be propped up and protected. Of course, the Russian citizens and Ukrainian citizens lose much in the process. No mater if Ukraine or Russia ultimately wins, I suspect the area will not be the same for a long long time. 

We see that now with NATO member starting to align their borders. Read NATO is racing to arm its Russian borders. Can it find the weapons?

A few things to think about as a nation (Just ideas so feel free to toss them anytime.). 

1.) Sew up diplomatic ties and settle non essential conflicts and issues with other nations (Don't let small things be exploitable by international actors.). 

2.) Build up innovation and supply lines to ensure superiority and supplying of allies. We got work to do in our innovative capacity and we could get there. Missing the human capital piece but the rest seems to be coming (Waiting on politicians....zzzz.....zzzzz...... 😴)

3.) Draw up contingency plans and encourage NATO to do the same. Get resources where they need to move and ensure nations are coordinated. Different nations have different strengths. Perhaps its time to start talking more directly about some of the other emerging interests (i.e. China influence and supplying of Russia with weapons. )

4.) Find a national plan around innovation/technology/science, infrastructure/energy/resource allocation, and human capital/education/training/opportunity/best & brightest.

5.) Resolve political issues to ensure that we are all focused on national health and the essential values of democracy (i.e. the universal democracy).

What we often find in such situations is that we think about such issues on a global scale and then don't realize how we are going to move from A to M. That is an issue if we are struggling with accepting minorities in our hometowns and/or blocking them from engaging in full American life. It is time Americans and "Americans" become the enlightened beefy AMERICANS (....probably a dumb idea....discard quickly....I got the wrong type of name. Even as a light R. 🤷).  

Why Patriotism Is Deeper than the Words and the Symbolism Alone!

 As nation we have an opportunity to grow and change based on environmental pressures and internal resources (Keep that in mind for later discussion. We can talk about how resources of different types and background lead to a developing nation. Soft and hard power.). New reports have come out from the DOJ that indicate maybe not everyone is doing the right thing all the time (They are stuck in a narrative and shallow symbolism.). The assumptions of "rightness" are now being replaced with a more balanced perspective of right and wrong. One system is dependent on the good will of the other. It is true whether they see that or not. Its important to continue to develop our systems to meet the needs of the people.

People might look at some of the protests and arguments as a terrible thing. I do not. I think it is a chance to change. It is a chance to really live by those values we profess. It is a time for all parties to be self-reflective. There is no good that can come from constant arguing or conflict. I say that as a person who knows many different sides to the same story that I suppose few of these people have the capacity (In this theory its called mirrors. It is not my theory.). 

We have a responsibility to grow and adapt. Police are not all bad or good. It is a collection of imperfect people that serves a function in an imperfect society. They are trying to do the right thing but there are individuals within those systems, just like there are individuals in any system, whos values are so anchored in misperception of self that they create risk and harm to people in the population. 

Reform isn't about winning or losing a political argument. It is about developing our human capital broadly, it is about raising the standard of justice, and about getting policy and people to work together. We are all at this present time in this boat together and teamwork is needed. Failure to set a course of direction ultimately leads to dissolution at some unknown point in the future (That is this team, that team, and as far as I know all teams.)

The DOJ's investigation is a chance to grow....not necessarily be punitive to those departments that need a "teachable moment". It is your opportunity to reconnect to the values of the community and their padded boot. Don't let this opportunity to slip through your fingers because the next one is likely to have more legal teeth in it (I don't really know, I'm just talking hypothetically if there was a problem.🤷) 

If you are unsure of which direction to take feel free to move from waving to me to inviting me out for a beer. (Oh did I tell you I'm also part German and a touch Native American, raised in part by Monks in WI to deeper values that were devoted to learning. We also invented American beer. 😁 :))  You can read the pledge below and learn about the History of Pledge . All patriotism is prosocial and should never be used to divide. That is a deeper value that ensures that patriotism has a positive outcome that advances society versus leaning into extremism where patriotism is power over (Just saying because I think it is helpful for people to ponder that concept for a few moments.)

 Read about Veterans and the Pledge and a little info on how to Deliver It from those who Earned It!

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. It is based on The US Constitution.

We have challenges we need to face and that won't happen if we are not all rowing together. Can you "See" Now       Join the Cause! 

Other light Reading: PhD or DBA? Staying Diligent, Social Capital, "Common Sense", Human Perception of Hate, Hyper Politics, Two Biggest Threats, Human Capital, 2033 American Compromise  You might as well just file that story on Thoughtful Community Policing as an interconnected opportunity among Americans to ensure the truth of the the story to read again at a later date to a more international audience. National Archives 🤓🙈🙉🙊😲💨?

The Hawk 🦅 Stop and think before you act. Remember Our principle and values because of lives and sacrifices people have made to protect them (I have been to a few of these cemeteries and they may me very sad and very appreciative of the sacrifices. The rows of white stone markers. Just a few miles away from. Sometimes I go walk them.). Our principles should apply fairly to all members of society. Whether we want to hear that or not! 

W. W. Oliver Escanaba History: A Place to Start Your Business

I came across this picture through my social network. It would appear that it is a pharmacy of some type (I think that other word says Plumbing. Might be plumbing. Opps 😬 My bad!). Lots of people hanging around. When I get my hands on a picture like this, I love to share it because it reminds me of the people who have long passed. We can learn from history and we can build from generation to generation. Escanaba is doing that in many ways. They are creating new histories and they are on new paths. They might not see it yet, but they are on a new path of development. 

I'm not sure if that building is there like that anymore. Some of our downtown buildings might still be there. They look a little different but fairly similar. If you have some money come on up and start a business. People are friendly and they are open arms to new people. We are a community and we help each other out.

You can read COVID Will Change the Economy and how that will impact the economic fundamentals. This is also why new theories need to come forward. Our environment is often on the same sort of level as other nations. This could be a jumping point and is likely an underlining reason why Swedish businesses have taken some interest. Start-ups and Cities. You may also want to read on Pandemic Start Up. 

Escanaba History

Enjoy the history.....